Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 2 Interventional Ages 18 and up Women only

Comparing 5-day and 9-day radiation for early-stage breast cancer

Official title: FAST NOVEMBER: A Phase II Randomized Trial of a 5 vs. 9-day Course of Whole Breast Radiotherapy With Boost for Early-stage Breast Cancer

Run by University of Utah · NCT06961955 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether a shorter 5-day radiation treatment is just as effective as a longer 9-day treatment for women with early-stage breast cancer after surgery.

More Breast Cancer trials

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexWomen only
Enrollment144 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Utah
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Salt Lake City, Utah)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 21, 2025
Main results expectedMay 2030
Study endsMay 2033
Registry record updatedDecember 9, 2025
Trial IDNCT06961955 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 18 and older with histologically confirmed invasive breast carcinoma or Ductal Carcinoma In Situ who have undergone lumpectomy.

Probably not a fit

Patients with advanced breast cancer or those who have not undergone lumpectomy may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 5-day versus a 9-day course of whole breast radiation therapy for women with early-stage breast cancer. Participants will receive radiation treatment after undergoing lumpectomy, and the study will assess outcomes related to cancer control and side effects. The research focuses on determining whether a shorter radiation course can provide similar benefits to the longer course, potentially improving patient convenience and quality of life.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to a more efficient radiation treatment schedule for early-stage breast cancer patients, reducing treatment time without compromising effectiveness.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with shorter radiation courses in breast cancer treatment, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Female participant aged ≥ 18 years.

  --Participants must have at least one of the following risk factors:
  * Grade 3 invasive histology
  * Estrogen receptor positivity less than 5%
  * Lymphovascular invasion
  * Invasive margins \<2mm on surgical pathology
  * DCIS final positive margin
  * Extensive intraductal component
  * Age ≤ 50 years
  * Tumor size \> 2 cm
* Histologically confirmed invasive carcinoma or Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) of the breast.
* Breast cancer stage (AJCC v8) T0-3, N0, M0. T0 N0 is allowed if whole breast radiation is recommended by the treating physician.
* Lumpectomy within 84 days of the start of radiation.
* ECOG Performance Status ≤ 2, or KPS ≥ 50
* Negative inked histologic margins from lumpectomy, with the exception of a focus of positive margin at the pectoralis fascia.
* Negative pregnancy test for participants of childbearing potential, evidence of permanent surgical sterilization, or post-menopausal status. The post-menopausal status will be defined as having been amenorrheic for 12 months without an alternative medical cause. The following age-specific requirements apply:

  * \< 50 years of age:

    * Amenorrheic for ≥ 12 months following cessation of exogenous hormonal treatments; and
    * Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in the post-menopausal range for the institution
  * ≥ 50 years of age:

    * Amenorrheic for 12 months or more following cessation of all exogenous hormonal treatments; or
    * Had radiation-induced menopause with last menses \>1 year ago; or
    * Had chemotherapy-induced menopause with last menses \>1 year ago
* Sexually active participants of childbearing potential must agree to use highly effective method of contraception (defined in Section 5.4.1) during the course of radiation and for 30 days after radiation.
* Able to provide informed consent and willing to sign an approved consent form that conforms to federal and institutional guidelines.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Bilateral breast cancer.
* Prior radiation therapy to the chest.
* Prior chemotherapy.
* Recurrent disease.
* Known metastases or node positive.
* Major chest surgery which is expected to impact study participation 8 weeks prior to starting study drug.
* Prior breast malignancy in either breast.
* The diagnosis of any other malignancy which, in the opinion of the Investigator, is likely to negatively impact the subject's safety or ability to participate in the study.
* Current evidence of uncontrolled, significant intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, the following conditions:

  * Cardiovascular disorders:

    * Congestive heart failure New York Heart Association Class III or IV, unstable angina pectoris, serious cardiac arrhythmias.
    * Stroke (including transient ischemic attack \[TIA\]), myocardial infarction (MI), or other ischemic events, or thromboembolic event (e.g., deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism) within 3 months before the first dose.
  * Any other condition that would, in the Investigator's judgment, contraindicate the participant's participation in the clinical study due to safety concerns or compliance with clinical study procedures (e.g., infection/inflammation, intestinal obstruction, unable to swallow, social/ psychological issues, etc.)
* Significant post lumpectomy complications requiring an unplanned re-operation for surgical complications or admission for IV antibiotics. Re-operation for margins evaluation or nodal evaluation is acceptable. Draining of a seroma is not considered a complication unless it has become infected.
* Breast neuroendocrine carcinoma or sarcoma histology.
* Radiation sensitizing disease or condition (e.g. connective tissue disease, li fremani, etc.).
* Medical, psychiatric, cognitive, or other conditions that may compromise the participant's ability to understand the participant information, give informed consent, comply with the study protocol or complete the study.
* Participants receiving concurrent radiation sensitizing medications or therapies.

Where it's running

  • Huntsman Cancer Institute/University of Utah
    Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.